Beschorneria?

Here is a link that might be useful: Google Image Search Results

Crocosmia? Some varieties (i.e. red Lucifer) get that tall...(my neighbor and I dubbed this one the bulb from h#ll, right along with scilla - it was that hard to tame)

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:1084576}}

I bet it is Crocosmia 'Lucifer' it is heavily used along the coast and blooming right now.

Yes, I bet that's it as well. So common and familiar I didn't think of it.

If the flowers size was accurately stated, it sounds like it's not Crocosmia. Unless that's the length of the flower.

They were very nice looking lately, both at the coast and inland.

I read it as the length.

Thanks everyone for your help. I believe it is a Crocosmia. The pictures look like what I recall seeing. Best of all, it just might grow over here.

If "over here" = east of the Cascades check soil and water suitablility, if no montbretias (Crocosmia crocosmiiflora) being seen over there that could be a red flag--they tend to be common where adapted*, as they are prolific and easily grown for the most part (rather heavy damage from mites is often seen on them during our dry midsummer conditions in Seattle area). And the hybrid 'Lucifer' is also prevalent, it may be significant that you saw it all over on your trip but not where you live.

Sunset WESTERN GARDEN BOOK gives west-side only Zones for Crocosmia (in PNW), says "Where lows range from 10 to -5F/12 to -21C, provide winter mulch. In colder areas, dig and store over winter."

*Actually a pest in Hawaii

Here is a picture of my Crocosmia, 'Lucifer' Do they look like this?

Here is a link that might be useful: Crocosmia, 'Lucifer'.